The only way to know if you’re pregnant is to take a pregnancy test, but there are common early pregnancy symptoms that can indicate you might be pregnant:
- A missed period
- Sore or tender breasts
- Nausea/vomiting (morning sickness)
- Increased urination
- Fatigue/exhaustion
The existence of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you’re pregnant either. Keep reading to learn more!
Early Pregnancy Symptoms
If you’re concerned you might be pregnant and you weren’t expecting a pregnancy right now, don’t panic.
First, take inventory of any of the following symptoms you may be experiencing. Then, take a pregnancy test to verify your suspicions. This pregnancy test could either be a lab-quality, urine-based test or a blood test at a doctor’s office. Finally, it’s best to follow a positive pregnancy test with an ultrasound to confirm a viable, intrauterine pregnancy. This will help you evaluate the next steps.
A Missed Period
If your menstrual cycle is usually very regular but is now one or two weeks late, this could be a sign you’re pregnant. If your cycle isn’t regular, this is harder to determine, which is why you’ll want to monitor for other symptoms and take a pregnancy test.
Sore or Tender Breasts
Any discomfort you feel in your breasts as a result of pregnancy will typically subside as your body adjusts. Breast soreness or tenderness is typically caused by hormonal changes during early pregnancy.
Nausea/Morning Sickness
Did you know morning sickness can occur at any time of the day? You may feel nauseous with or without vomiting. While the cause of morning sickness isn’t totally clear, experts believe pregnancy hormones play a role.
Increase Urination
Frequent urination is another symptom of pregnancy. This is caused by an increased amount of blood in your body during pregnancy. It causes your kidneys to process extra fluid that ultimately ends up in your bladder.
Fatigue/Exhaustion
Fatigue also makes the list of top pregnancy symptoms. No one really knows what causes increased sleepiness in the first trimester of pregnancy, though it is suspected hormones like progesterone are at play.
When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?
It’s possible to take a pregnancy test too early. As anxious as you may feel about a possible pregnancy (especially if it is unexpected), it’s best to wait at least one week after your missed period.
If your home pregnancy test comes back positive, you’ll want to confirm your result with a lab-quality pregnancy test with a healthcare professional to rule out a false positive.
Schedule a Pregnancy Test & Ultrasound
We offer no-cost, lab-quality pregnancy tests and limited obstetrical ultrasounds at Alpha Center so you can confirm your at-home test result. We also offer educational resources on all of your pregnancy options so you can make a confident decision about your next steps.
Schedule your free appointment today!